Comments by "Gordon Graham" (@gordonbgraham) on "How many languages do Japanese speak?" video.

  1. Japan has a large Brazilian diaspora and a history with Brazil in terms of migration.
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  2. The reverse being that most Americans couldn't point Japan out on a map
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  3. I think Kazuma is impressive nonetheless. Also, it's not clear to what extent these people can speak another language, but it's clear they can manage some basic communication skills in some cases and in others it's clear that they're fluent. Yes, it takes a lot to acquire a 2nd language in terms of fluency. It took me 10 years to become fluent in Japanese...while living in Japan! I'm duly impressed by these people. I'm not sure what the impulse was for you to throw shade on them.
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  4. As a coach in Japan for more than 20 years, I can tell you that athletics are quite Spartan in Japan. Endurance, 100% effort and respect for one's opponent and officials are not only expected but required.
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  5. @Netninja-m1e Cheers!
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  6.  @pman-y7m  That’s true. That said. I was surprised to find not only “eikaiwa” in the late 80s and 90s but similar language schools that offered Korean, Chinese or even Portuguese. I’d also found that in general more Japanese had traveled abroad than I had known in Canada, besides visiting the States or the Caribbean during winter break. Off hand, I would say around 50% if the kids put their hand up when asked if they’d been abroad both in the 80’s and 90’s. That number increased in the 2000s.
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  7. OK, but they “can” speak more than one language and they “do” speak another language not only when abroad but “with” foreigners “in” Japan. Give credit where credit is due
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  8.  @stibba4286  Still impressive
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  9. I'm fluent in Japanese, but couldn't understand a word of what the guy from Okinawa said.
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  10. Shout out to my fellow Rikkyo alumnus
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  11. I think people get a skewed view of things when not exposed to more people on a personal level. I've been teaching in a high school in Japan for more than 30 years and have encountered more than a handful of students each year who are similar to those above in that they can speak more than one language. I was surprised to learn how many could speak Chinese for example.
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  12.  @ejtaylor73  What you say or don't say is irrelevant. So is random curated interviews on Japan content YT channels. Most Japanese can manage the basics in English. Not that that is important...it just is.
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